
The Drake
Best for travelers who want a classic, historic Chicago stay steps from Oak Street Beach and the northern Magnificent Mile.
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The Drake is a 4-star historic Gold Coast hotel on the lakefront that appeals to travelers who want classic Chicago, easy access to Oak Street Beach, and formal afternoon tea. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection is an upscale 4.5-star riverfront hotel best for visitors who value skyline and Chicago River views plus a lively rooftop scene.
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Best for travelers who want a classic, historic Chicago stay steps from Oak Street Beach and the northern Magnificent Mile.

Best for visitors who want downtown proximity to the Chicago Riverwalk, skyline views, and rooftop atmosphere.
When The Drake wins: choose The Drake if you want a hotel with longstanding Chicago history, lake views and immediate access to Oak Street Beach, or if afternoon tea and a formal historic setting matter to you.
When LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection wins: pick LondonHouse if you prefer staying right on the Chicago River with easy access to the Riverwalk, a modern hotel vibe, rooftop energy, and an on-site full-service spa.
Bottom line: both hotels put you in central downtown Chicago within a short walk of Michigan Avenue attractions; The Drake leans historic and lakefront, while LondonHouse is a modern riverfront choice with rooftop and spa features.
| Category | The Drake | LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, traditional Gold Coast hotel with formal public rooms and afternoon-tea service. | Contemporary upscale hotel with a focus on river and skyline views and rooftop social spaces. |
| Location | Lakefront at the north end of the Magnificent Mile; steps from Oak Street Beach. | Riverfront at 85 East Wacker Drive; steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue. |
| Size (guestrooms) | 535 guestrooms and 74 suites. | 452 guestrooms. |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ to check in. | |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool. | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple historic venues: Coq d'Or (bar/restaurant), Palm Court (afternoon tea), Cafe on Oak (breakfast). | Two restaurants and two bars/lounges including Bridges; rooftop bars are a signature draw. |
| Spa & wellness | No dedicated on-site spa; in-room massage services can be arranged; 24-hour fitness center available. | Full-service spa on site plus fitness facilities and concierge services. |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive historic event rooms — 21 event rooms, 36,863 sq ft total; large ballrooms for weddings. | Conference space totaling about 25,000 sq ft (2,323 m²). |
| Known for | Lake Michigan views, Palm Court afternoon tea, historic bar Coq d'Or, proximity to Oak Street Beach. | Riverside location, skyline and river views, rooftop energy and modern downtown experience. |
| Accessibility & family features | Accessible paths, accessible parking and rooms, cribs and connecting rooms for families; pet policy applies. | |
The Drake sits at 140 E Walton Place at the north end of the Magnificent Mile with very near access to Oak Street Beach.
Choose The Drake for a lakefront stay and immediate beach access.
LondonHouse is positioned on the Chicago River at 85 East Wacker Drive, placing guests steps from the Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue.
Choose LondonHouse for a central riverfront base and skyline-focused views.
The Drake offers individually furnished rooms and a wide set of suites reflecting its historic identity.
Pick The Drake for historic character and distinctive, individually furnished rooms.
LondonHouse provides modern guest rooms with river or skyline orientation and contemporary amenities.
Pick LondonHouse for modern rooms with design-forward bathrooms and skyline views.
The Drake's dining leans toward historic, formal experiences rooted in Chicago tradition.
The Drake suits guests seeking classic Chicago dining and formal tea.
LondonHouse combines American dining with rooftop and bar options focused on views and social energy.
LondonHouse is a stronger pick if rooftop drinks and skyline ambiance matter.
The Drake does not have an on-site pool but offers near-immediate beach access.
If you want water access, The Drake’s proximity to Oak Street Beach replaces an on-site pool.
LondonHouse emphasizes river and skyline views and rooftop social spaces as its signature amenities.
Choose LondonHouse for rooftop views and a riverfront setting rather than beach access.
The Drake supports wellness with a 24-hour fitness center and a lively historic bar scene.
The Drake works for travelers who balance exercise with historic bar ambiance.
LondonHouse pairs a full-service spa with rooftop bars and contemporary nightlife options.
LondonHouse is better if on-site spa services and rooftop nightlife are priorities.

The Drake — steps from Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail.

LondonHouse — riverfront rooms, rooftop bars, and direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk.

The Drake — landmark hotel with Palm Court tea and the long-running Coq d'Or bar.

LondonHouse — a full-service spa and contemporary guestroom features.
Both welcome children of all ages, but The Drake highlights family-friendly traditions like afternoon tea and direct beach access; LondonHouse is central and walkable for attractions.
LondonHouse is focused on river and skyline views (including rooftop vantage points). The Drake offers lake and some city views from lake-facing rooms.
LondonHouse lists a full-service spa on site; The Drake does not have a dedicated on-site spa or any on-site swimming pool.
Both are very convenient to Michigan Avenue shopping; The Drake sits at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, while LondonHouse is nearer the central/downtown stretch and the Riverwalk.
Explore how The Drake stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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